2. Free Stroke (i,m, a)
(used primarily for chords and arpeggios)
The free stroke is so named because the finger, having plucked one string, passes freely over the neighbouring string. The sound is produced by the nail only. The finger should move across the string, rather than pull out from it. This movement will enable the hand to remain steady (i.e. only the fingers move).
With the right hand in correct position and fingers gripping the strings as described on page 16, pluck the 3rd string with i (see photos A and B). Leave p, m and a gripping the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings for support and steadiness.
Note: Free stroke will be studied in more detail later in the method.
Repeat this procedure for m and a.
Make sure to retain correct hand position by checking photos A and B on page 16. The notes you have just played are written below.
Remember that a number in a circle i.e. (3) indicates the third string.